Wanda "Ruth" (Rice) Wathen

Wanda Ruth (Rice) Wathen, age 84, of rural Evansville, passed away Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, IN.

Ruth was born May 29, 1938, in Cynthiana, IN, to the late Kenneth and Augusta (Vaught) Rice. She graduated from Reitz High School in 1956 and was a member of Grace Baptist Church where she taught a Sunday School class for special needs members. Before her children were born, she worked for Mead Johnson. Ruth loved raising her children and was involved in numerous activities. In her youth, she was a 4-H State Champion, raising Jersey cows, and later as an adult, served as a 4-H Leader for 20 years. Ruth drove the school bus for Evansville Christian School both driving the children to school and driving on many field trips, especially to Holiday World. For over 25 years, she was a member of Tri State Navy Moms, also serving as their Treasurer and regularly helping veterans at the State Hospital and VA in Evansville.   Ruth loved to send cards with handwritten letters for every holiday or event; she also enjoyed crocheting, embroidering, cross stitching and sewed many of her own outfits as well as her children’s and grandchildren’s clothes.  One of her favorite activities was watching the birds (especially hummingbirds) congregate at her numerous feeders.

Ruth is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Rex Wathen; son, Rian Wathen (Lisa) daughter, Ranece Wathen; son, Rhet Wathen (Tiffany); grandchildren, Madison Jones (Dean), Airman First Class Ian Wathen, and Brandon Paul; and great grandchildren, Calvin Dean Jones, and Nora Steele Jones.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Augusta Rice; and sister, Nora Irene Schaefer.

The family looks forward to seeing everyone during visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the 1:00 p.m. service time, Friday, May 19, 2023, at Grace Baptist Church, 1200 North Garvin Street, Evansville, IN.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, May 19, 2023, at Grace Baptist Church with Dr. Robert Fulkerson and Pastor Ray Deeter officiating. Burial will be private.

Memorial Contributions may be made to: Grace Baptist Church at 1200 North Garvin Street, Evansville, IN 47711.

Boone Funeral Home East Chapel – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville, IN, is handling the arrangements and is honored to serve the family of Ruth Wathen. Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net

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